On the evening of Tuesday 8th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed a panel discussion on ‘Rurbanisation: a transformative process to foster sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth.’ The programme was held as a part of 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit. The Chief Minister talked about the idea of Rurbanisation, of invigorating the villages with the facilities associated with the cities.
Shri Modi said he is unaware why urbanization is seen as a challenge in our nation. “A fear has been created that what will happen with it. But anyway we cannot stop it. So its better we see it as an opportunity. If we do this then the whole approach will change and in Gujarat we have accepted it as an opportunity.”
Talking about the Rurbanisation initiative, Shri Modi pointed, “Rurbanisation is a well thought initiative. Our quest is Aatma Gaav Ki, Suvidha Sheher Ki. To preserve the spirit of the village is essential but why can’t we invigorate them with the facilities associated with the cities?”
He stressed on the need of providing basic facilities to the villages and added that the Government is working on long-distance education. He pointed out that due to Jyotigram Yojana migration to cities reduced by 33% and now the state Government is concentrating on providing broadband to the villages. He recalled that there was a time when for diamond cutting and polishing one had to leave home but that too has become history due to Jyotigram Yojana. 
The Chief Minister shared that Gujarat has embraced the twin-city model and added that if we take this model then the facilities for development will increase. He gave examples of Surendranagar-Wadhwan, Surat-Navsari and Bharuch-Ankleshwar.
Shri Modi further said, “Today we are moving ahead in the direction of 6 more cities.” Giving the example of Dholera, he affirmed that it will be double the size of Delhi, 6 times Shanghai and will be a step ahead of it in terms of facilities. The Chief Minister spoke about the development taking place on the coasts of Gujarat and gave examples of Mundhra, Dahej and Hazira.
